Mayor declares war on city congestion

“We will fix Auckland’s transport problems.”

That was the simple but resolute message delivered by Len Brown when he was sworn in as Auckland’s first supercity Mayor on November 1.

At his inauguration speech in Auckland’s Town Hall, before Prime Minister John Key, numerous Cabinet Ministers, his newly elected Council and members of the public, Mr Brown said there would be no further delays in resolving congestion on Auckland roads.

He said the upgrade of Auckland’s public transport system would include an inner city rail loop, and rail to the airport and the North Shore. Of his first 100 projects, this would be number one.

“Imagine if Sir Dove Myer Robinson’s vision of a rapid rail system had not been derailed,” he said. “Imagine the prosperity that a rapid transit system would have unlocked.

“We will fix Auckland’s transport problems – it won’t be easy and it will be expensive, but we are not going to postpone it any longer.”

Mr Brown said Auckland was a city with a fragmented past, but it now had an opportunity for a united future and the potential to be remarkable.

Projects ahead included a world class convention centre and an upgrade of the waterfront including a modern cruise ship facility.

“Through hard work and planning we can transform Auckland into the world’s most liveable city, a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“Our economic future is ours for the taking. We need to build on the assets we have and not sell them.

“Auckland must be an eco-city, where we protect and nourish our environment with initiatives such as green waste recycling and bush regeneration to encourage birdlife back to the city.”

Mr Brown saw young people as the key to delivering Auckland’s vision.

“We must ensure that they do not lose their sense of hope and possibility.”

However, Mr Brown also promised financial prudence.

“We do not yet know what the full costs of this amalgamation or the leaky homes bill will be. My history has been to keep rate rises to the rate of inflation, and I intend to continue to keep to that.”

Mr Brown also promised an ‘open book’ policy on Council’s finances so decisions were transparent and Aucklanders could see why decisions were made and how their money was spent.

Mr Brown finished his speech by singing Te Aroha. This was followed by the swearing in of 20 councillors who together with Mayor make up the new Council.

Entertainment during the evening was provided by Auckland city organist Dr John Wells, the New Zealand Graduate Choir and the premiere of Fanfare for Auckland by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

Published November 02, 2010